Obituaries

Obituary: Dr. Roger Dean Coppenbarger, 90, of Arden, NC

It is with great sadness that the Coppenbarger family announces the passing of Dr. Roger Dean Coppenbarger, 90, on March 27, 2022, in Arden, NC. Dr. Coppenbarger was born May 28, 1931, in Pittsburg, Kansas, to E.M and Ina Coppenbarger. He grew up in Pittsburg, KS, attending Pittsburg State University as an undergraduate. He received his Master of Music degree from the University of Wichita and a Doctor of Musical Arts in Music Education from the University of Missouri at Kansas City.

Dr. Coppenbarger was Professor Emeritus at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, where he taught clarinet and saxophone for over 30 years. He is survived by his wife of 67 years, Lavonne of Arden, NC; his sons Brent (Sonja) of Taylors, SC; Curt (Katie) of Hudson, WI; Casey (Nancy) of Arden, NC; and grandchildren Sarah, Nate, Ethan, Cole, Rebecca, and William.

Obituary: Dr. Paul Bennett

Dr. Paul Bennett of Whitewater, formerly of Beloit, died March 27, 2022.

Although born in Waterloo, Iowa, Paul spent most of his youth and young adulthood in the Chicago area. He attended New Trier high school, Northwestern University (1956), Northwestern University Medical School (1960). He did his internship and residency at the University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas. Dr. Bennett’s specialty training was interrupted by a stint in the U. S. Army, stationed at Fort Meade, Maryland and Fort Greeley, Alaska. He returned to UTMB to finish his training and remained there as an instructor until he joined the Beloit Clinic as an Obstetrician/Gynecologist in 1967.

In 1960, Dr. Bennett married Barbara (Bobbi) Metcalf in Milford, NH. He is survived by his wife of 62 years, daughters Patty (Dr. Steve) Stroman, Egg Harbor, WI., Kathy Bennett, Lebanon, NH, and son, Michael (Jennifer), DePere, WI.

Known as “Oomba” (grandfather) to Jon (Cara) Stroman, Allison (Kieran McCabe) Stroman and Andrew Stroman; Morgan and Haden Bennett, he followed their accomplishments as they developed into delightful and responsible adults. Further survivors include sister Deborah (Bill) Parks, cousin Wendell (Carol) Drew and several nieces and nephews. Paul was predeceased by a sister and his parents.

Per Dr. Bennett’s wishes, there will be neither a visitation or service. At a later date, the family will gather to celebrate his life on the rural acreage he nurtured and enjoyed in his retirement.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions in his name to: Lauderdale-LaGrange Fire and Rescue – W6080 Highway 12, Whitewater, WI 53190, Golden Years Health Care Scholarship – 270 Ridge Road, Walworth, WI 53184, or Aurora at Home Burlington/Walworth Hospice Care Team ATTN: VJ – 116 N Dodge St. Burlington, WI 53105.

An overwhelming THANK YOU to the entire staff at Golden Years in Walworth, WI and the Aurora Burlington/Walworth hospice team: Kay, Kelly and Kim.

Gibson Family Funeral Homes of Palmyra & Eagle, WI is serving the family. To place an online condolence please visit gibsonfuneral.com

Obituary: Betty J. Schneible, 93

Betty J. Schneible, 93, of Whitewater, WI passed away peacefully on Wednesday, March 23, 2022 at Fairhaven of Whitewater.

Betty was born on December 11, 1928 in Waukesha, WI the daughter of Earl and Edna (Detlof) Lander. She grew up in the Waukesha area and graduated from Waukesha High School. Betty was blessed with a son, Curt. She worked as a Test inspector for General Electric Corporation for the majority of her working career. She was a long time member of Jerusalem Presbyterian Church of Wales, WI. Betty was outgoing and kind. She was at her best when spending time with her family and friends. She was a social person and enjoyed a good game of Sheepshead or Euchre. She also had a special love for music and even wrote a few songs.  Betty will be missed by those she leaves behind.

She is survived by her nephew, Sam Lander and her dear friend, Mary (Michael) Schuetz. She is also survived by other relatives and friends.

She is preceded in death by her parents, her loving son, Curt and her ex-husband, Bill Schneible.

A Funeral Service will be held to honor Betty’s life at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, March 31, 2022 at the Gibson Family Funeral Home in Palmyra, WI (320 W. Main St. Palmyra, WI 53156). The Rev. Ken Casey will officiate the service. Betty will be laid to rest next to her son immediately following the service in Hillside Cemetery of Palmyra.

Gibson Family Funeral Homes of Palmyra & Eagle, WI is serving the family. To place an online condolence please visit gibsonfuneral.com

Obituary: Joy S. Stuckey, 78, of Fort Atkinson

Joy S. Stuckey, a loving mother, ascended peacefully on butterfly wings to the gates of heaven on Tuesday, March 22, 2022 surrounded by family. She was born in Berwyn, IL on May 27, 1943, the daughter of the late Raymond and Helen (Zuetel) Rode. On January 19th, 1963 she was united in marriage to the late Bruce Stuckey at Faith Lutheran Church in Brookfield, Illinois. She was currently residing in Fort Atkinson, WI.

Joy worked as an administrative assistant at Jefferson County Human Services, Parsons Chiropractic Services, and Dr. Moulton’s Dental Clinic. She made many friends over the years that brought laughter and smiles to those around her. She loved any and all flowers, especially lavender, lilacs, lilies, and tulips. Watching her houseplants and flower gardens bloom as well as the butterflies, squirrels and birds that visit would bring her great pleasure. She enjoyed watercolor painting, sewing, knitting, crafting, and traveling the states. Joy loved all animals, especially cats. 

Joy’s passion was devoting her life to her family. She is survived by her two daughters; Sharon (Steven) Olson and Susan Stuckey, both of Fort Atkinson, WI. She has five grandchildren: Candice (Jonathan) Franks, Dawn (Mark) Wokasch, Matthew (Libby) Stahl, Craig Olson, and Maxwell Stuckey. She was also well loved by her eight great grandchildren: Emma Wokasch, Hailey Olson, Sophia Wokasch, Alyvia Olson, Madelynn Franks, Oliver Stuckey, Lainey Franks, and Ryleigh Olson. She is survived by her sister Loralee Gerrietts.  She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, and son, Robert Stuckey.

A Celebration of Life service will be held at a later date and time to better appreciate her love for nature and gardening.

Nitardy Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences can be made at www.nitardyfuneralhomel.com

Obituary: Carolyn Marie Ferriano

Carolyn Marie Ferriano is at peace, after a years-long battle with debilitating health issues. Carolyn spent her last 8.5 months receiving wonderful care at Agrace Hospice in Fitchburg.  She never lost her incredible will to live or her sense of humor.

Carolyn is survived by her loving family: husband Frank, daughter Sharon, son-in-law Greg and grandchildren, Samuel and Anna. She is also survived by her brother Bob Hofstetter and his wife Susie, and their kids/grandkids, and by many members of Frank’s family – his sister Annette, nieces, nephews. Carolyn adored them all.

Along with family, Carolyn had so many beautiful friends. She loved them all dearly, including Maureen and Lowell Youngs and Greg’s parents, Barbara and George Mischio.  If Carolyn loved anything more than her friends and family, it was animals. In particular, their cat Sir Arthur, whom we believe was waiting for her as she passed.

Carolyn met Frank Ferriano, in 1963 in New Jersey. They were married in 1965 and moved to Wisconsin in 1968.  They had 57 wonderful years together, many of them spent attending concerts, shows, plays and movies. They also enjoyed their gourmet dinner club and bridge club.  But their favorite thing to do together was to travel.  Carolyn and Frank enjoyed many cruises, trips to Europe, Alaska and Hawaii.  They also made time to visit family in various parts of the country.

Carolyn had a wonderful career as a nurse, and did it all, from teaching nursing to hospital nursing, nursing home, doctors office and home health care. She was incredibly intelligent and caring.  She never stopped teaching.  The staff at Agrace all talked about how much they learned from her.

After Carolyn retired from nursing, she and Frank returned from living part of the year in Florida so they could fully participate in their grandkids’ lives. They were at all their activities/sports/dance/music programs, etc. We looked forward to our Anna Maria Island trips together every year. That was Carolyn’s favorite place. She loved the beach, sunsets and looking for shells. We will treasure every moment we had with her there.

Carolyn was a talented seamstress, who also did needlepoint, crochet and knitting.  She made countless gorgeous blankets, shawls, scarves, bags, and decorative items.

We could not have gotten through these last 8 months without Agrace.  It is where Carolyn always said she wanted to end up, and it was beautiful to see the friendships she developed with the staff.  We are forever grateful for the loving care she received there.

We will have a memorial gathering for mom in the spring – date TBD.

Donations can be made to either Agrace Hospice or the Dane County Humane Society in Carolyn Ferriano’s name.

Cress Funeral & Cremation Services, 3610 Speedway Road, Madison, WI

Obituary: Michael Kelly, 59

Michael Kelly was born on an army base in Kansas on July 24, 1962. He lived some of his childhood in Germany, where his mother was born. Michael peacefully transitioned into pure spirit with his Divine Source whom he chose to call Tunkashila on the first day of spring, 3-20-22. He went peacefully on a hospice bed with dear friend, Jude Christensen at his side. She provided emotional and physical support throughout his illness. He was not alone.

Michael was the third and youngest son of Ann Elizabeth and James Gary Kelly. He is survived by his special friend, Bob. Bob and Michael met at a time where they contributed to each other’s strengths and care. Bob was a primary loving support during his cancer journey. Everyone whom he called a friend knew they were special to Michael. He was preceded in death by his parents and brother Bill. His one surviving brother, Jim, lives in Mexico.

Michael lived with cancer for five and a half years. He was grateful for his heath care team from St Mary’s Hospital in Madison, Froedert in Milwaukee, and his overnight hospice team at Ft. Memorial Hospital. He trusted and accepted cancer treatments and did not project future outcomes as he fully lived in the present with a positive attitude.


Michael was a strong advocate for recovery from addictions. He shared his addiction and recovery experience, strength, and hope with people in the recovery community for nearly 30 years. He was an asset to people in recovery. It was an honor for him to be the assistant director of the SABLE House 15 years. He had a strong impact on those living there for the purpose of recovery support.


Michael had a passion for creating beauty with interior, flower, and landscape design. His passion was that of a special events designer and coordinator. He enjoyed hiking, helping others, spirituality, meditation, Myofascial Release Bodywork, and laughing, especially being snarky.

Michael’s brother Jim wrote the following for a eulogy:
“…I’m sorry I can’t be with you all to pay respect and honor Mike. I think all of us who knew Mike would agree he was a kind giving soul. This was not the likely outcome for someone who went through some of the experiences Mike was confronted with in his life. As his brother I know Mike as a person who overcame many obstacles to become the giving person he became. He used his mishaps and tragedies that happened to him in his life to help others. Many of you who knew Mike on a personal level know this well. The people who knew him are the better for it. Sometimes he could be quite serious, but considerate in what he was trying to accomplish. I will miss Mike as I’m sure all of you will. He became an enlightened being despite all the dark times he went through in his life. This is what Mike has left us with, the realization that we can overcome darkness and transform into the light. This was Mike’s gift to us all. Wherever you are Mike thank you for everything, thank you for being my brother and thank you for all the people you touched in your life.”


Please join in to celebrate Michael with a memorial brunch to share memories on 3-26-22 from 10 a.m. until noon, at his favorite, Jessica’s Restaurant, at 140 W Main St in Whitewater, Wisconsin. For those who choose to make a financial donation, Michael’s wishes were that donations go to the Dave Gallup Foundation which supports individuals in early recovery. You can use Cash App: $DaveGallupFoundation
As another option, you can donate in Michael’s honor to a charity or non-profit of your choice. Thank you.

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Laurie L. Kant-Hull, 64, of Delavan

Laurie L. Kant-Hull, 64, of Delavan, WI died on March 20, 2022, at UW Hospital in Madison, WI. Laurie was born on August 3, 1957, daughter of the late Erwin and Janice (Green) Kant. Laurie was a very active person and touched the lives of many people. Laurie married her husband, Ronald Hull on February 14, 1988, at the First Congregational Church of Elkhorn, WI. She was a founding member of the Lakes Shores Library System and held a seat on their board for over thirty years. At the time of her passing, she held the title of President of the Lakes Shore Library System Board. Laurie spent much of her career as a Librarian, between being a medical librarian at Medical Associates of Wisconsin and a children’s librarian in Burlington. Laurie was a very talented crafter, working in painting, gardening, scrapbooking, knitting, crocheting, and taught as a quilting instructor at Blackhawk Technical College. She was a champion of women’s rights, helping those who needed it, and fighting the good fight no matter the cost or how hopeless the cause. A pacifist who was in ROTC during her college years, repelling off buildings and reassembling M-16s with parts left over. A lover of fast cars but rarely went above the speed limit, a protector to all animals who needed a home, and thought that Clark Griswold was an amateur when it came to holiday decorations. In her later years she grew to have a passion for fitness and weightlifting and encourage everyone around her to get active because, “if I can do it, anyone can do it.” Laurie loved all things Disney, Disco music, and was well known for curling up on a gloomy day to watch Hallmark Christmas movies regardless of the month. Through all her life she loved and taught those around her to love without question, with the saddest fate, according to her, being “an obituary that doesn’t make you wish you knew them.” Loved by many and feared by some, she will be deeply missed by those who were able to get to know her. Laurie is preceded in death by her parents; brother-in-law Michael Craney; and great nephew; Benjamin Grossen. She is survived by her husband, Ron; son Daniel (Sarah Defranco) Kant-Hull; and sisters, Kathleen Craney, Alison (Richard) Madero, and Melinda (John) Allen. A Memorial Service will be held for Laurie on Thursday, March 31, 2022, at 11:00 a.m. at First Congregational Church of Christ, 54 S. Jackson Street, Janesville, WI 53548. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the Wisconsin Dental Association Foundation Mission of Mercy; Wisconsin Library Association Foundation; Walworth County Humane Society; Twin Oaks Homeless Shelter; or Open Arms Free Clinic. Online guestbook can be found at www.haaselockwoodfhs.com.         

Obituary: Shirley M. Meisner, 89

Shirley M. Meisner, 89, of Whitewater passed away peacefully on March 16th, 2022, with her family by her side.
Shirley was born on February 9th, 1933, in Hebron, Wisconsin to Franklin and Irma (Pelchen) Koepke. She spent much of her early life in Hebron, going on to graduate from Whitewater High School. On January 20th, 1951, she married Arthur Meisner and together they raised a family in Whitewater.

She enjoyed sewing; she became a seamstress and worked with Art Lein’s Men’s Clothing Store. She also loved to work on puzzles and watch her grandkids.

Shirley is survived by her children, Bruce (Elizabeth) Meisner of Wolcott, IN, Scot (Kellie) Meisner of Chetek, WI, Vicki (Ray) Garlock of Whitewater, WI, and Lori (Mark Hoffman) Roach of Jefferson, WI; her grandchildren, Julia, David, Jacob, Matthew, Tom, Michelle, and Christopher; her eight great-grandchildren; her sister-in-law, Laura Koepke; and many nieces, nephews, and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Franklin and Irma; her loving husband, Arthur; two brothers, Wayne and Russell; and a granddaughter.

Private services are being held.

The family would like to extend special thanks to the staff at Hearthstone and Rainbow Hospice for their exceptional care.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to Hearthstone Memory Care.

Nitardy Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences can be made at www.nitardyfuneralhome.com

Obituary: Linda S. Lehman, 61

Linda S. Lehman, 61, of Whitewater, WI passed away with her loving husband by her side on March 15, 2022 at Agrace Hospice Center in Janesville, WI.

Linda was born on January 31, 1961 in Milwaukee, WI the daughter of Bruce and Sue Carol (Schroeder) Omdoll, Sr.. Linda grew up in Milwaukee and graduated from Milwaukee Marshall High School. She was united in marriage to Michael Lehman on June 27, 1992 at Wellington Park Lutheran Church in Milwaukee. The couple was blessed with a son, Bret in 1998. Linda was happy and good spirited; she loved her family and she loved people. Her passion in life was music, specifically 80’s Rock. She also had a special connection with animals of all kinds, including bugs. She was loved and she will be greatly missed.

She is survived by: her loving husband of 29 years, Michael Lehman of Whitewater, WI; her son, Bret Lehman of Jefferson, WI; her siblings, Bruce (Susan) Omdoll, Lisa (Richard) Heitl, Lora (Dan) Cieszynski, John (Charlotte) Omdoll and Shari (Kory) Schuhmacher; and her siblings-in-law, Gary (the late Julie) Lehman, Charles (Tina) Lehman and Patricia (Charles) Wozniak. She is also survived by a number of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

She is preceded in death by her father, Bruce Omdoll, Sr..

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Linda’s family.

A Funeral Service will be held at 6:00 p.m. on Friday, March 25, 2022 at the Gibson Family Funeral Home in Palmyra, WI (320 W. Main St. Palmyra, WI 53156). Visitation will take place from 4:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. at the funeral home. Linda will be laid to rest in Hillside Cemetery on Saturday, March 26, 2022 at 10:00 a.m.

Gibson Family Funeral Homes of Palmyra and Eagle, WI is serving the family. To place an online condolence please visit gibsonfuneral.com

Obituary: Carrie “Maisie” Condon, 99

Whitewater/Brodhead, WI – Carrie “Maisie” Condon, age 99, passed away on March 7, 2022 while at her home in Whitewater.

Maisie was born on July 27, 1922 in Stoughton, WI, the daughter of William and Elizabeth (Whaley) Taylor.
She married Gurnsey Condon in 1946 in Southern Wisconsin.

Maisie was a member of the Congregational United Church of Christ of Whitewater, the Alpha Club, Federation of Women’s Clubs, Fairhaven Auxiliary, Whitewater Country Club and Women’s Golf Association and the Golden Girls (a group of friends of 60 years and older).

Maisie is survived by two sons, Gurnsey (Noele) Condon of Wisconsin Rapids, WI and John (Terry) Condon of Kissimmee, FL; three grandchildren, Sean Condon of Minocqua, WI, Kristin Condon of Woodbury, MN and Andrew Condon of Pleasant Prairie, WI; two great-granddaughters, Ryan and Devan Condon; one great-grandson, Jude Besl and many nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends.

Maisie was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Gurnsey in 2004 and all of her siblings.

Funeral Service will be at 1:00 p.m. on Thursday, March 24, 2022 at D.L. Newcomer Funeral Home, 1109 East 9th Avenue, Brodhead, Wisconsin, with visitation starting at noon. Burial in Greenwood Cemetery, Brodhead. The Condon family asks that you kindly consider making a charitable donation to UNICEF, Save the Children, or a charity of your choice rather than floral donations. To extend online condolences to the family, please visit: www.dlnewcomerfuneralhome.com.